Canicross or Canifit

by sylvie bourdinApril 01, 2018

Hi everyone,

This post is addressed to dog lovers everywhere who would like to share a special activity with their 4 legged friend. I myself love to go for a run with my own best fried Snippy (my German shorthaired pointer shown on the picture).

Some of you might already know what Canicross (Cani-Fit) is. For those who aren't familiar with this great activity, please let me give you a quick review of what it is and why so many people are adopting this activity.

Canicross can be run with one or two dogs, always attached to the runner. The runner typically wears a waist belt, the dog a harness, and the two are joined by a bungee cord that reduces shock to both human and dog when the dog pulls.

“Think cross-country running while being hitched to a dog,”

In many cities, there are canicross clubs - Dogs of medium and large size are best suited for this kind of activity - You always control the speed and direction. You don't need to be an athlete to practice this activity; but I would suggest a starter class.

Your dog can race after it reached 12-18 months of age, you can start some light training with him a few months before, this to allow him to get used to being in a harness and to teach him commands, then gradually build this up, always be careful not to over work you dog when his joints and bones are still forming.